RECLAIMING MATERNAL IDENTITY; A MATRICENTRIC FEMINIST STUDY OF MILCHMAN’S THE SECOND MOTHER

Abstract

The study analyzes contemporary dimensions of motherhood literature in The Second Mother (2020) by Jenny Milchman. The research explores the reclamation of maternal identity of a mother. It addresses the matricentric concerns of mothers, a progressive research trajectory in motherhood studies. This study examines the novel through theoretical lens of Matricentric Feminism, mainly the matricentric thoughts of Andrea O’Reilly. She addresses the difference between the dichotomous terms, “motherhood” and “mothering”, rectifying the misconception of considering the both terms synonymous in previous maternal studies. She also revolutionised the motherhood studies by redefining the term “mothers” by arguing that the word mothers is not limited to biological mothers but any woman having natural instincts of nurturing, care and protection should be considered a mother. The research reinforces O’Reilly’s demand of allocating maternal status for childless mothers. This study analyzes Milchman’s protagonist, Julie Weather’s journey of reclaiming her maternal identity after loosing her daughter, Hedley. This research also accentuates the excruciating pain and trauma that a mother experiences after loosing a child and how she solitarily battles loneliness in the patriarchal world that strips off her marital status when she loses her maternal status. The study analyzes Julie’s perilous journey of reclaiming maternal identity and healing her loss by helping an emotionally disturbed boy in discovering himself, which surprisingly proves to be reciprocal process of vulnerability and empowerment in which both Julie and Peter heal each other. This research predominantly intends to invigorate the motherhood stratum by reinforcing the inclusive approach of mothering experiences that are not limited to biological mothers. The future researchers can apply this framework to explore modern dimensions of motherhood studies in various literary works, especially through intersections of race, class and culture.